In the process of wound healing, one of the most critical — and visible — phases is the formation of granulation tissue.

Granulation refers to the growth of new, temporary connective tissue and tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that fill the wound bed during the proliferative phase of healing. This tissue is recognizable by its pink, moist, and grainy appearance – hence the name "granulation."

Granulation tissue is composed of several key elements:

• Fibroblasts: Cells that migrate into the wound and produce new extracellular matrix components, primarily collagen type III.

• Endothelial cells: Responsible for the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) within the wound bed.

• Macrophages: Regulate the healing process by secreting growth factors and cytokines.

• Extracellular matrix (ECM): A scaffold-like structure rich in collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid that provides mechanical support and biochemical cues for cell proliferation and migration.

Granulation tissue plays a transitional role in healing.
It creates the foundation for re-epithelialization — the process by which keratinocytes migrate over the wound to restore the skin barrier.

Without effective granulation, the wound bed lacks the necessary vascularization and structural matrix needed for proper tissue regeneration.
However, excessive or prolonged granulation (commonly known as hypergranulation) can impair wound closure and result in chronic wounds or scarring.

Scaffolds and hydrogels can directly influence granulation tissue formation by: ✅ Providing a supportive framework for fibroblast infiltration
✅ Maintaining a moist environment conducive to cell migration
✅ Modulating the local inflammatory response to avoid excessive granulation
✅ Supporting angiogenesis within the wound bed

At Asclepii, our biomaterial platforms are designed to complement these biological processes — ensuring that granulation happens efficiently and leads to functional, organized tissue regeneration.

📄 References:

1. Singer, A. J., & Clark, R. A. (1999). Cutaneous wound healing. The New England Journal of Medicine, 341(10), 738–746.

2. Schultz, G. S., et al. (2011). Wound healing and regeneration. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 127(Suppl 1), 12S–20S.

3. Martin, P. (1997). Wound healing—Aiming for perfect skin regeneration. Science, 276(5309), 75–81.